Alaska to Arizona Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alaska to Arizona

ConsAlaska

• Harsh winters
• High cost of living
• Limited sunlight in winter
• Remote locations

ProsArizona

• Mild winters
• Lower cost of living
• Abundant sunshine
• Urban conveniences

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Arizona

• Desert climate
• Sparse greenery
• Less diverse culture
• Dust storms

Alaska

• Scenic landscapes
• Abundant wildlife
• Unique culture
• Clean air

Pros of moving from Alaska to Arizona

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild winters
• Look forward to moving away from the high cost of living and moving to Arizona with a lower cost of living
• Swap the limited sunlight in winter in Alaska for abundant sunshine in Arizona
• Get ready for urban conveniences in Arizona

Cons of moving from Alaska to Arizona

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the scenic landscapes in Alaska to live with the desert climate in Arizona
• You'll lose out on the pro of abundant wildlife and have to settle for the con of sparse greenery
• Time to bid farewell to the unique culture and get used to the less diverse culture in Arizona
• Swap clean air for dust storms

Alaska vs. Arizona: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Alaska to Arizona, you will be trading the iconic King Crab of Alaska for the equally delicious Chimichanga of Arizona. And while the locals in Alaska rave about their flavorful Reindeer Sausage and sumptuous Halibut Tacos, Arizona residents know they have tasty Carne Asada and Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Berries they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegetable Tamales of Arizona. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alaska eateries like Simon & Seafort's, Hangar on the Wharf, and Moose's Tooth. After the boxes are unpacked in Arizona, don't wait too long before making your way to Arizona's acclaimed eateries like El Charro Café, Pizzeria Bianco, and Matt's Big Breakfast.

When comparing lifestyles, Arizona shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Alaska. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Arizona, compared to what you are used to in Alaska. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Arizona.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alaska and Arizona

• The Cabin and Log Homes architecture that Alaska is known for will be replaced with the Spanish Colonial and Pueblo architecture typical of Arizona.
• Compared to Alaska's real estate listings that commonly reference natural scenery and privacy, Arizona real estate listings often highlight features like solar panels and outdoor living.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Arizona is more walkable than Alaska.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Arizona is more bike-friendly than Alaska.
• Arizona has more of an urban feel than Alaska.
• Arizona housing costs are 22% more expensive than they are in Alaska, with a median home price of $430,827 compared to Alaska’s $354,563.
• Over the prior 9 years, home prices in Arizona have increased by 119% compared to a 34% increase in Alaska.
• Rent in Arizona is 9.86% more expensive than in Alaska.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Alaska and Arizona

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Alaska to Arizona. Arizona gets 100% more sunshine days than Alaska.
• Arizona has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Alaska.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in Alaska, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and dust storms in Arizona.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Arizona is 44 degrees warmer than in Alaska.
• The average winter lows are 48 degrees warmer than they are in Alaska.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Arizona. Arizona receives 9 fewer inches of rain compared to Alaska.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Alaska and Arizona

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arizona tend to earn about 15% less than in Alaska
• The COLI in Arizona will be 24% lower than what you are used to living in Alaska
• Bummer... By moving from AK to AZ, you'll now have a state income tax of 2.59% to 4.5%
• The affluence in Arizona is varied compared to moderate affluence in Alaska
• The poverty level is higher in Arizona compared to lower poverty in Alaska
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Alaska and higher in Arizona

Political and Religious Climate in Alaska vs. Arizona

• Alaska tends to lean mixed and leans conservative in its political climate
• Arizona, on the other hand, is often described as mixed and historically conservative, now more centrist
• Arizona's religious environment can be described as a Christian majority with a diverse religious presence
• Alaska's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian plurality with a significant unaffiliated population

Education Guide When Moving from Alaska to Arizona